Atractylodes koreana

Atractylodes koreana · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Atractylodes koreana is a distinctive plant species primarily valued for its medicinal properties. The most significant part of this plant is the rhizome, which serves as the primary source for therapeutic applications. Researchers have identified key bioactive compounds within it, including Atractydin, Atractylenolide I, Atractylenolide II, and Atractylenolide III. These chemical constituents are often extracted through specific preparations to harness their full potential. Among these methods, the production of essential oils is a common way to utilize the plant's complex chemical profile.

Quick facts
Synonyms
Atractylis Koreana · Atractylis Chinensis Var. Koreana
Common names
Not available
Family
Asteraceae
Distribution
Asia-Tropical
Plant Parts
Rhizome

Classification

Common Names

Atractylodes koreana is a unique botanical species recognized by several distinct regional names. In certain contexts, it is commonly referred to by the Japanese name チョウセンオケラ. It is also frequently identified in traditional texts as 北蒼朮. Furthermore, the name 朝鮮蒼朮 is often used to denote this specific plant. Understanding these various common names is essential for accurate identification across different cultural and linguistic landscapes.

Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)

Synonyms

Atractylodes koreana is a botanical species that has been documented under several different scientific names throughout history. Due to various taxonomic classifications, it is recognized by the synonym Atractylis chinensis var. koreana in certain botanical contexts. Furthermore, the plant is also frequently referred to by the synonym Atractylis koreana. These shifting names highlight the complex nature of plant nomenclature and the evolving understanding of its lineage. Understanding these relationships is essential for researchers seeking to accurately identify the species in the field.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Taxonomy

Atractylodes koreana is a remarkable specimen that belongs to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological realm, the plant is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further descends through the order Asterales, showcasing its specific evolutionary lineage. The species is a member of the diverse genus Atractylodes, which helps botanists identify its unique characteristics. Finally, its placement within the family Asteraceae connects it to a wide array of well-known flowering plants.

Rank Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Equisetopsida
Subclass Magnoliidae
Order Asterales
Family Asteraceae
Genus Atractylodes

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

Geographic Regions

Atractylodes koreana is a plant species primarily found within the diverse climates of the Asia-Temperate region. Its geographical reach extends across several key areas, including the vast landscapes of China and its North-Central territories. Additionally, the species is well-documented throughout the Manchuria region, highlighting its adaptability to these specific environments. The plant also maintains a significant presence in Eastern Asia, specifically within the Korean Peninsula. Together, these locations define the natural distribution and ecological range of this particular species.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Identification

Morphology

Atractylodes koreana is characterized by its distinct growth form as a herbaceous plant. This species is naturally self-supporting, allowing it to maintain its structure within its environment.

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Biological Activities

Compounds

Atractylodes koreana is a plant species characterized by a specific profile of volatile components found within its essential oils. Research utilizing gas chromatography has confirmed that this plant contains the compound atractydin. Furthermore, the essential oils of Atractylodes koreana are composed of several atractylenolide variations, specifically atractylenolide I, atractylenolide II, and atractylenolide III. The chemical makeup also includes the presence of atractylon, which serves as a key marker for its volatile profile. Identifying these specific relationships provides a vital foundation for the effective quality control and fingerprinting of the species.

Conditions

Atractylodes koreana serves as a medicinal plant used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicines. Specifically, this species is utilized for its diuretic properties to help treat various conditions. It is also employed as a crude drug for the treatment of stomach disorders. The dried rhizomes of the plant are the primary parts used to achieve these therapeutic effects. These specific medicinal applications highlight the importance of the species in traditional pharmacology.

Preparations

Atractylodes koreana is prepared as essential oils through the process of hydrodistillation. These extracted oils represent a primary pharmacologically active component of the Atractylodes rhizome. Research indicates that the extraction yield for this specific species averages approximately 2.42%. Within these essential oils, eudesma-4(14)-en-11-ol is identified as a major volatile component. The chemical composition and number of volatile components in these oils are used to distinguish the species from others like Atractylodes lancea.

Parts used

Atractylodes koreana is a species of significant interest due to its role as a valuable traditional Chinese medicinal herb. The plant contains a rhizome that serves as the primary source for extracting its essential oils. These oils are highly important because they contain the complex volatile components responsible for the plant's pharmacological activity. Research indicates that the chemical composition of the Atractylodes koreana rhizome is distinct from other species like Atractylodes lancea. By analyzing these specific parts, scientists can better understand the unique chemical profiles that differentiate various medicinal species.